How many African forest elephants inhabit the dense rainforests of west and central Africa?

They have
less space to roam than ever before. This is a direct consequence of human populations that convert
land for agriculture, mining, extractive industries, etc. All these push elephants into smaller protected
areas. As a result, the elephants’ land has been reduced from three million square miles in 1979 to just
one million square miles in 2007 leaving remote elephant forests for poachers. On other hand, poverty,
armed conflict, and the displacement of people by civil conflict also contributes to habitat loss and
fragmentation.

Why they matter?

The seeds of many plant species in central African and Asian forests are dependent on passing through
an elephant's digestive tract before they can germinate. It is calculated that at least a third of tree
species in central African forests rely on elephants in this way for distribution of seeds.

Elephants help maintain forest and savanna ecosystems for other species and are integrally tied to rich
biodiversity. Elephants are important ecosystem engineers. They make pathways in dense forested
habitat that allow passage for other animals.

How mitigate elephant's extinction danger

Anti-poaching initiatives:
Several NGO are working to eliminate illegal hunting in protected areas. Anti-poaching measures on the
ground, together with more supportive legislation and land use planning a better human-wildlife
coexistence, have been key to successful elephant conservation. As a result, some forest elephants have
stabilized in well-managed conservation areas in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo.
Reducing demand for elephant ivory:
There are increased efforts in some transboundary areas, better customs controls at international transit
points, more intense investigations, and more thorough prosecutions. Some cases will also be monitored
for corruption and action taken against anyone attempting to impede justice.
How can we help?

We can pledge to stop wildlife crime and commit to preserving nature's beauty for future generations.
Not only related to elephants but also to other endangered species. For example, a simple action like
not buying products made of endangered species like ivory can make the difference in our world. We
can be volunteers to help in NGO or doing donations.